Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg Diamond Spike Tiara

Happy Birthday to Carina Axelsson, who turns 50 today! The longtime partner of Gustav, 7th Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, despite the fact that the couple cannot marry, Carina is treated like a member of the Royal Family, which includes her own tiara.

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After borrowing tiaras from Princess Benedikte’s collection for some glittering events, at Queen Margrethe’s 70th Birthday in 2010, Carina Axelsson wore this modern Diamond Spike Tiara for the celebrations. The piece has no recorded provenance, and it’s modern design indicates that it might have been an acquisition for Carina.

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A few months later, Carina wore the Diamond Spike Tiara again, at the lavish Wedding of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden in 2010. While Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece are the aunts of Prince Gustav, the Swedish King Carl Gustav is a first cousin of his mother, Princess Benedikte.

Carina Axelsson has continued to wear the Diamond Spike Tiara at glittering occasions, including Gala events during Queen Margrethe’s Ruby Jubilee celebrations in 2012. There is no doubt that we will see it on her for years to come.

UPDATE: Carina wore the Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg Diamond Spike Tiara for her Wedding to Prince Gustav.

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3 thoughts on “Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg Diamond Spike Tiara

  1. I have no doubt that this tiara was purchased for her. In some kind of way it may signify Prince Gustav’s family’s acceptance of her as a bona fide member of the family, even if German inheritance laws make it almost impossible. Whenever I read about the reason why they can’t marry I am reminded of Prince Bertil and Princess Lilian of Sweden who waited more than 30 years to marry because of state reasons. In my opinion, it’s not right to put such requirements as race, inheritance, and/or social status to affairs of the heart. The really sad part in Prince Gustav’s case is that the onus was put on him even before he was born since he’s the recipient of his grandfather’s will and not his father’s. The title and the estate are treated separately, so Prince Gustav inherited the title from his father but the estate from his grandfather. As I understand it, there seems to be a loophole in German inheritance law that reduces taxes if the inheritance skips a generation, something that I’m surprised has not been changed already. It’s a testament to their love that Prince Gustav and Miss Carina are still together after more than twelve years in spite of the stress. I hope that Miss Carina has a happy and joyful birthday together with her prince!

  2. Nice tiara and it suits Carina very well. I just wish the spike elements continued around the tiara…they end quite abruptly, leaving the tiara “top heavy”.

    Still, I wouldn’t turn it down, and it sparkles like crazy!

    Happy Birthday!

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